Boston, MA (taken from an EC press release) – The Brandeis University women's basketball team was unable to overcome a season-high 35 turnovers tonight, as the Judges, ranked No. 17 in the nation, lost to No. 13-rated Emmanuel College, 71-66, in the second round of the NCAA Division III tournament. With the loss, the Judges end their season at 20-6, while Emmanuel wins its 20th straight contest to improve to 29-1.

Brandeis held a solid lead for the entire first half. The Judges’ largest lead of the game (13 points) came with 7:32 to play in the first half. Emmanuel battled back in the second stanza and the Saints gained their first lead of the game (50-49) on a jumper by freshman guard Iman Davis (New Britain, Conn.) with 11:21 remaining in the contest. The Judges re-gained the lead (51-50) on a lay-up by junior guard Jaime Capra (Old Bridge, N.J.) with 10:57 to go. It was all Emmanuel for the final ten minutes. The Saints maintained the lead until the final buzzer sounded. Emmanuel’s largest lead of 7 points came with 4:49 to play (65-58).

Emmanuel’s freshmen combined for 39 points. Rookie Iman Davis led the Saints with a career-high 24 points on 8 for 18 shooting. Davis also tallied 6 steals, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists in the win. Freshman forward Tommia Davis (Gloucester, Mass.) netted 15 points and grabbed 8 boards, while junior guard Jade Paez (Bronx, NY) hit for 10 points and dished out a game-high 8 assists.

The Saints’ pressure defense forced 35 Brandeis turnovers and caused the Judges to shoot just 29% from the floor in the second half. Emmanuel was out-rebounded, 49-31, and shot just 59% (16-27) from the line. However, the Saints capitalized, scoring 36 points off the Judges’ turnovers.

For Brandeis, senior center Caitlin Malcolm (Winsor Locks, Conn.) turned in a fine performance in her final collegiate contest, recording a double-double with 23 points (7 for 9 shooting) and 14 rebounds. Freshman guard Jessica Chapin (Mendon, N.Y.) added 11 points and 5 rebounds, Capra pumped in 10 points and grabbed 8 boards.